AW169Ms for Italy's Guardia di Finanza
Leonardo has signed a contract worth €280 million ($315.6 million) with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza for 22 new AW169M helicopters, the company announced on 12 November.
The contract also includes a comprehensive support and training package.
The aircraft will be used for a wide range of missions including patrol and reconnaissance, law enforcement, rescue and homeland security. They will receive a military qualification from the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments.
The aircraft will be configured with rescue hoist, emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, Traffic Collision Avoidance System II, NVG compatible cockpit, helicopter terrain awareness warning system, advanced communication system, obstacle proximity LIDAR system, advanced health usage monitoring system, automatic flight control system with SAR modes, searchlight, ice detector, fast roping and SATCOM.
The aircraft will also be fitted with a range of systems including the RW Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance system with advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, long range electro-optical surveillance system, M428 IFF transponder, V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting and provisions for smart processing hyperspectral detection and reconnaissance system.
Deliveries are expected to start in summer 2019 and to be completed by 2024.
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